Crew legend Frankie Hejduk today announced his retirement from professional soccer, following a stellar 16-year career in which he captained the club to the MLS Cup 2008 championship and represented the United States at two World Cups and two Olympics. Simultaneously, the Crew announced that he will join the front office as brand ambassador, a newly created role in which he will promote the Crew through a variety of methods, interacting with all aspects of the organization for the purpose of raising awareness, supporting business development initiatives and generating excitement for the club.

“I want to thank my family and all of my teammates, trainers, equipment managers, front office staffers, coaches and fans for making my life that much more special, both on and off the field,” Hejduk said. “We all share a special bond that’s tough to explain to anyone outside that circle, but the memories we share and the good times we had will never be forgotten or matched. Now I look forward to continuing my association with the Crew and helping to grow the sport of soccer.”

Known for his tireless work rate, Hejduk was one of the most recognizable and dynamic players in Major League Soccer for 12 seasons, including three with the Tampa Bay Mutiny (1996-98) and one with the LA Galaxy (2011). Over the course of his storied career in Black & Gold (2003-10), Hejduk was a part of four major trophies – the MLS Cup title and three Supporters’ Shields (2004, 2008, 2009) – while becoming one of the most popular figures in club history.

He won a second MLS Cup with the Galaxy in 2011 and was on 1996 and 2011 Supporters’ Shield winning teams with Tampa Bay and LA, respectively.

Did we mention that he also took a slap to the face for America? A Mexican assistant coach, Francisco Paco Ramírez, took umbrage with the U.S. team after another "dos a cero" at Crew Stadium in 2009 and Hejduk was the recipient of one wuss-tap from Ramiriez. We couldn't confirm whether or not Hejduk slowly wiped his lip and checked his hand for blood while then offering a cold, steely gaze that would later give Ramirez so many nightmares he would later be committed to a mental institution in Verazcruz.

Frankie Hejduk is a true patriot, party animal, and epically cool soccer player. And while "brand ambassador" for the Columbus Crew sounds alright we feel as though he's got a different "brand" that his lifestyle syngerizes with even better.

The Crew can have Frankie to hawk their season tickets, sign soccer balls, and vend beer, but we've got beer pong tournaments, brewery tours, kegstands at tailgates, and beer bongs on the backs of bald eagles.

When we started the FBM back in 2009 Frankie's inclusion as our spokesperson seemed like a pipe dream, but like our mother says in those motivation Hallmark cards she sends us and what our stuffed animals on our bed tells us in high, squicky voices that sound pretty much like our own.... we can do anything if we set our minds to it.

Mr. Hejduk.... we will not rest until you hoist the FBM scarf high and join us in a celebratory beer when we too announce you as our "brand beer-bassador".

This Saturday is "National Beer Day,"the unofficial holiday in which Americans celebrate the return of delicious beer and spirits to the nation's bars and stores with the end of Prohibition in 1933.

Millions of Americans lined up at their local bars, pubs, and taverns ("New Beer's Eve") awaiting this moment when at twelve midnight they could drink again without fear of their suds confiscated or their speak-easys shut down. Happy days were here again. (In fact, 4,207 liquor licenses were issued in Milwaukee alone on April 7th!)

To celebrate the resurrection of beer drinking in the United States we are encouraging each American soccer fan to exercise that Constitutional right to drink beer and do it this weekend at a soccer game with a soccer newbie.

Without the repeal of the 18th Amendment we wouldn't have delicious, delicious beer. And without said beer we wouldn't have the greatest motivator in the world to build American soccer.

This weekend when you're attending a Major League Soccer game... bring a friend. When you're watching English Premier League match Saturday and Sunday mornings.... bring a co-worker. When you're pulling up a seat to any soccer game that's live on on TV anywhere in this great nation or from anywhere in the world.... save a seat for a family member.

All of these people, in all of these situations, are potential soccer fans and they just need the proper setting, the proper education, and the proper brew, all provided by you, for them to be exposed to the wonderful world of soccer.

This is the perfect weekend to participate. All across Europe there are matches that will make-or-break title contenders and games that will decide the survival of other clubs. And, of course, in our domestic league, the love of our life, the MLS season (and the NASL is kicking off) is in full swing. First Kick has come and gone, but the newness of the season is still alive. Every team is still alive and optimism still reigns supreme.

There are tailgates galore to grab a brew, bars abound ready to fill your pint, and fridges fully stocked to host a gang so why not bring a few new fresh faces along and expose them to the beautiful game?

We want your to share your beers and buds with us. Share the beers you're drinking across the country and the friends that you're introducing soccer to with us.

Tweet or Facebook us with your photos of FBM in action this weekend, National Free Beer Movement Weekend 2012.

Cheers!

Historical Note: For many beer nerds, December 5th is the ultimate Prohibition-ending holiday called "Repeal Day" in honor of the final necessary 2/3rds of states (Utah, of all places) ratifying the 21st Amendment. For the Free Beer Movement we're going with this day to honor when President Franklin D. Rooesvelt signed Cullin-Harrison Act became law, official ending the failed Prohibition experiment and allowing beer and other alcohol to flow freely again. Also, since this date falls during the MLS season it makes even more sense.

Get the NEW Free Beer Movement "Pint Glass" shirt! Only from Objectivo.com

Resources

All material on thefreebeermovement.com is the property of the Free Beer Movement and "Daniel Beerseed". All stories, photos, and other materials submitted to the Free Beer Movement become the property of the Free Beer Movement.

Legalese

Free Beer Movement is intended for persons of legal drinking age (21 and older in the United States) and does not condone underage drinking.

Furthermore, Free Beer Movement promotes the RESPONSIBLE consumption of alcohol. While viewing matches at bars or stadiums please look out for yourselves and appoint a designated driver to return all FBM participants and guests home SAFELY.

Free Beer Movement is not responsible for the actions of its members or guests and asks that each member or guest of the Free Beer Movement exercise PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY in not over-consuming alcohol while viewing or attending soccer matches.